[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Artificial Surface Football Field Advisory Committee acceptance.]
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, called the meeting to order at 7:34 pm. In attendance was William Dest, Ron Rodd, Jon Cathcart, Sheila Suppicich, Brian DiCicco, Neil Brickley, Tony DiCiocco, Jay Cottone, Athletic Director and Richard Webb and his staff from Kaestle Boos Associates.
Dick Webb re-reviewed the plans from the last time for the new members of the Committee. He also reviewed the field requirements for soccer fields. Ron said that he had not been able to find the standards for fields as outlined by Dick. Dick said he would review the design standards and get copies for the Committee. Jon asked if the dimensions were with or without run outs. Dick said with run outs.
Dick said he had received the geo technical reports and they were as expected so there would be no difference with the proposed budgets. He also reviewed the samples of the turf he had brought with him. Bill said he had numerous questions about Dick's proposal. Ron said the price seemed to be $7.25/sq.ft. Neil said there were different types and quality of surfaces and these can create different prices. Dick said there are some differences but the price does not change that much. Ron asked what the life of the field is. Dick said 8-10 years depending on how often it is used. There is usually an 8 year warranty. Ron asked how the surface is replaced. Dick said they remove it from the infield, much like rolling up an area rug. Tony said that Astroplay/SRI filed bankruptcy and the best product is Field Turf with sand and rubber, as it is more like soil.
A discussion ensued about accurate pricing and whether Kaestle and Boos' figures were accurate. There was also discussion on the drainage issue in general. Ron thought that the bike path could cause problems with the new drainage system. Dick said his staff will look closely at this.
Ron brought up his Scheme F, where the field would be built within the track. He developed this alternative plan for the track field on his own. He reviewed his schematics and he would like the Committee to include this in their deliberations. He also hopes Dick Webb and his staff will review it and make comments. He would like the Town Council to consider funding this track proposal. Neil asked what would happen with Cottone. Ron said it would be used for soccer purposes only. He feels it is important to address the parking and safety issues with so many spectators that will be at the games.
Jon felt there were a few issues that the Committee should keep in mind: 1) Cottone Field is the huge problem and must be fixed at some point; 2) the track will restrict the size of the turf; 3) the fence there is too short and wouldn't keep people out; 4) the track would be compromised; 5) there needs to be an emergency access in back of the signage area for DiCiocco Field.
Jay said that something must be done with the football field. He doesn't care where the field is located but he needs a new field. He went into much detail about the horrible condition of the field.
Bill thought it might be wise to do both DiCiocco and Cottone fields, one being an artificial surface and the other natural grass.
Mary and Dennis Dobruck of 689 Folly Brook Road discussed their sewage problems and how the new drainage on the field could affect their home. They are very concerned about this and they want to make sure this project will not affect their home and make matters worse.
Tony DiCicco nominated Jon Cathcart for Chairperson of the Committee. Jon was not sure he would have the time to do it. Ron Rodd nominated himself.
Bonnie asked the Committee what they felt their next steps should be. Bill Dest suggested meeting in another week, so Committee members would have time to digest all of the information. He suggested that just the Committee members meet with no consultants.
Bill Dest reviewed the history of the field with the Committee members. He explained how the field, twice before, had tried to be fixed but to no avail.
Dick Webb asked how the fields were going to be used. Dick also asked that the Town's engineering staff do a survey of the inside of the track and let Dick know what they find. He felt the next steps should be visiting other sites where artificial surfaces have been placed and narrow down the choices to 3-4 products the Committee likes for Wethersfield. Jay Cottone felt a site visit subcommittee should be set up, set goals and then decide on the next steps. The next meeting will be March 2nd at 7:30 pm.
Judy Emmick of West Way brought up her concerns about injury and safety issues on artificial surfaces.
Ron Rodd brought up the fact that a Chairperson was never selected for the Committee. A motion was made by Tony DiCiocco, seconded by Brian DiCicco for Jon Cathcart for Chairperson; a motion was made by Bill Dest, seconded by Ron Rodd for Ron Rodd for Chairperson. The vote was 5-2 with Bill Dest and Ron Rodd voting for Ron Rodd. Jon Cathcart is the Chairperson.
A motion was made by Tony DiCiocco; seconded by Ron Rodd to adjourn at 9:31 pm. The vote was unanimous.